Services set for Plainfield teen killed in plane crash

In this Thursday, June 19, 2014 photo, Babar Suleman and son Haris Suleman, 17, stand next to their plane at an airport in Greenwood, Ind. before taking off for an around-the-world flight. On Wednesday, July 23, 2014, a single-engine plane with two aboard crashed in waters off American Samoa, with a registration number matching the plane flown by the Indiana teen attempting to fly around the world in 30 days. (AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star-Robert Scheer)

Seventeen-year-old Haris Suleman was trying to become the youngest person to fly around the world in 30 days. He and his father, Babar, were on their last leg of their trip when the plane crashed after taking off from Pago Pago.

Haris was entering his senior year at Plainfield High School.

“This is a huge blow, not only to our community, but to our school. Haris was a very well respected student in our building and very active,” said Mel Seifert, Principal of Plainfield High School.

After the crash, crews with the Coast Guard began searching for Babar Suleman. They searched more than 4,000 square nautical miles for a total of 70 hours, but suspended their search over the weekend.

Services for Haris Suleman have been set for Thursday, July 31 at the Islamic Center of North America (ISNA), located at 6555 South Country Road 750 East in Plainfield. Memorial and arrival are from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by prayers of Zuhr and Janaza. Burial services are at 3 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery on Harding Street in Plainfield.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, people help keep Haris’ mission alive by donating to TCF’s local chapter, Seeds of Learning. For more information, click here.

It has also been requested that, out of respect for the family, children under the age of 10 not attend services, to ensure a calm and peaceful environment.